RICHMOND – Governor McDonnell and the members of Sisters Network Central Virginia (SNCVA) Inc. affiliate chapter will gather at the Executive Mansion at 2:00 PM on October 15, 2012 to mark breast cancer awareness month and associated activities throughout the Commonwealth.
The public is invited to attend, wear pink, and join Sisters Network members’ effort to “Stop the Silence®” and engage in a dialogue about the devastating impact of breast cancer, particularly in the African American community.
Everyone participating is invited to join the Governor at the Executive Mansion for a group photograph.
Governor McDonnell said, “Every year, more than 35,000 Virginians are diagnosed with cancer. While we can celebrate that more and more Virginians are surviving breast cancer today because of the work of dedicated organizations like Sisters Network, we must continue to raise awareness across the Commonwealth. Doing so will continue to be an important part of our effort to build a better and healthier Virginia.”
To help bring attention to the event and breast cancer in Virginia, Governor McDonnell has challenged his staff to donate $3 to dress down and wear pink on October 15. Proceeds will be donated to Sisters Network Central Virginia, Inc.
Additionally, the Governor’s office encourages all Virginians to follow the Governor’s example by donating $3 and wearing pink as a sign of support.
“Sisters Network sincerely appreciates Governor McDonnell’s support and recognition of the work our organization continues to do in the fight against breast cancer,” said Brenda Archer, President, Sisters Network Central Virginia. “Our members remain committed to educating and increasing breast cancer awareness among all women in Central Virginia, particularly African American women. We must “Stop the Silence®”, so women can start beating the odds,” added Archer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 26,840 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women.
African American women have a five-year survival rate of 78%, as compared to 90% for white women. Additionally, the incidence rate of breast cancer is higher among African American women (under age 45) than white women.
